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Site developers' blog

Sun, 07/08/2012 - 11:06am — Daniel.Curtis

This blog is for the developers of this proposed web site to test multi user blog capability, and to communicate ideas, Center member needs, and other implementation issues to each other. A Forum is better suited to this type discussion, so we closed this blog and opened several Forum areas for ongoing conversations.

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I have run into this issue a few times. I do not know how to allow some accounts to have control over their content while restricting the other accounts from accessing that content, but not restricting the other accounts from access to their content. I need to read up on drupal permissions.

The welcome message needs to be in a separate box at the top of the page. Thus, when content is published, promoted to the front page, and marked on the top of the list, the welcome message is not moved. I assume we need to make a new box and assign the welcome message to that box.
Still need to read more.

Hi Dan,
To answer your poll, I think the site isn't ready, but could be with revisions between now and the Board meeting. Some discussion will be needed at the meeting before hitting them with a view of the site, to set the stage for a positive reception.

I haven't made any contributions yet, but plan both image and text contributions over the coming week. I will also get a new starburst logo, or edit the current one in Photoshop as needed.

Dan,
After trying out several "add content" sections, I realize that I had spoken too soon. This version isn't ready for a major content push. And you/Steve have limited me to a conventional author role, with VERY restricted editing, which isn't of much use to me at this point. As your content development partner, I need the ability to edit all pages, promote pages, order menus, create submenus, and add graphics such as images and slide shows. This is simple enough in Google Sites, but let me know if Druple's usability would be an issue.

I really like the forum addition, which could develop into a major asset for member communications. I also like the ease of the 'add content' screens (although in this prototype, they are not fully developed).

My main issue with this version is that it isn't yet a protoype of what we truly need. In my (admittedly long-ago) development background, a prototype includes the high-level structure and feel of the real thing, but not yet the functionality. Stubs are OK as long as the structure gives a good feel for how the finished product will perform.

This version has so much missing that it may raise concerns with the Board, rather than get a green light.

I'd rather see the green light, so the first thing to fix is the menu structure, to flesh out the navigation. I can send you my draft list of menu items, or you/Steve can give me better editing access so I can do my part.

Feel free to add the menu items.
If I disagree, I will contact you to discuss.

Oh, just FYI, 2-3 hours by Steve to set the basic stuff up, 1 hr by me to copy some content, 3-4 hr to experiment with things, order a book, and read some.
It is far from a prototype, but the simplicity to put this much together is very impressive. It will go faster as we learn more.

Dan,
See additions and moves. I moved the Home and Blogs items. I think the Blogs section should include a few links to blogs by famous nonbelievers as well as our own members (if this was your intent).

Ideally, the event-oriented Lecture, etc. items should require only one entry for updates, posted in date order under the menu item and pulled up for the home page as the event date nears. Likewise, events should disappear from the home page as soon as over, and move to an archive section. Would be nice to automate.

I like the RVUU home page a lot, especially the short list of upcoming events with live links to descriptions. We could do the same, linking to events in their respective menu tabs. Having a calendar as well would be nice, but not essential if the live list is present.

Thinking more about the home page, seems like we need some blocks (?) for the lead content and editable slide show, followed by a block for an unpcoming event list with live links, followed by a "next event" dated item block, then by general articles in last-in, first read order. Let's discuss.

I want to get the calendar working, then I may spend some time on this. It is the link to external blogs you wanted...
Well, you may have wanted something else, but this is what I know I can get you in a short time. If I have time, I will make it a view and that may do what you want... not sure yet.

Very timely!
If I can, I'll I'll use this to post a set of photos for the front-page slide show. Theme/caption: 4th of July. I don't see an upload image button. I don't have a url of my own to list as you have done. FTP?

I disabled (not deleted) the "recent" tab since it is too public. Would be good to have that link blocked for all but administrators as you've done with the add content link. Can't see how to do that with permissions.

BTW, I added Len Eisenberg as a user so I could use his name for such things as the President's Welcome.

Well, the RSS feed module was from my old site.
I have not yet configured it (it may have self configured).
I am sure that drupal allows facebook and twitter... just takes time to find the right module

Well, I can turn off the tag line -- but that doesn't seem right--- I can make the theme have fixed fields, but that really screws things up. I think a subtheam may do it, but do not know enough yet to make one (I also think I need FTP access before I can make it).

I edited the HTML from the old site to re-format the links page for a more compatible look. Would like to reduce the line spacing, but haven't figured it out yet. At least, the ugly graphics and font are gone.

Hi Dan,
I noticed that the calendar work Steve did yesterday caused the book club announcement to appear on the home page "empty". I deleted it, since I'd already promoted the book annoncement with picture to home. It also disappeared on the calendar itself.